Effects of <scp>CBT</scp> ‐Informed Peer Counselling on Depressive Symptoms Among University Students: A Matched‐Control Quasi‐Experimental Study

ABSTRACT Background Depressive symptoms are common among university students, highlighting the need for accessible mental health support. However, evidence for structured, theory‐informed peer counselling in higher education remains limited. Aim To examine the effects of a CBT‐informed peer counselling programme on depressive symptoms among university students enrolled in health sciences programmes. Methods A matched‐control quasi‐experimental design with repeated measures was used. Sixty students with mild‐to‐moderate depressive symptoms were pair‐matched by baseline CES‐D scores and assigned to an intervention group ( n = 30) or a control group ( n = 30). The intervention group received six nurse‐supervised, individual peer counselling sessions over 2 weeks, whereas the control group retained access to usual university support. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline, immediately post‐intervention and 1‐month follow‐up using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Data were analysed using a mixed‐design repeated‐measures analysis of variance. Findings A significant group × time interaction was observed, F (1.78, 103.39) = 20.47, p &lt; 0.001, partial η 2 = 0.26. Depressive symptoms decreased more in the intervention group than in the control group, and the improvement was maintained at 1‐month follow‐up. Conclusion CBT‐informed peer counselling may help reduce mild‐to‐moderate depressive symptoms among university students enrolled in health sciences programmes. The programme shows potential as a structured, short‐term mental health support approach in higher education, although further evaluation in larger and more diverse samples is warranted.